Omega-3 helps prevent stroke, heart attack
Roberto S., a former 51-year-old manager in a big trading firm, was on a roll in his career when he turned 40. He was promoted three times in a span of eight years and was again being groomed for a higher executive position. He had truly arrived in his career.
Little did he know that he was to have the biggest blow in his career and his life. A few weeks after he turned 51, he developed a stroke, which paralyzed half of his body and rendered him unable to speak clearly.
Although he was able to recover some of his motor power in his extremities, he is still unable to perform even activities of daily living without assistance. He is permanently disabled and had to file for early disability and retirement.
The case of Roberto is not isolated. Thousands of men and women at the peak of their careers are forced to a lifetime of disability because of stroke.
Some develop massive heart attacks, which can lead to heart failure and also disability. Many of them are not even aware that they are high risk and are ripe candidates to develop suddenly severe cardiovascular complications including sudden death.
An early trip to the doctor for a check-up can identify patients at high risk, and they can benefit from treatment. A healthy lifestyle, consisting of diet and exercise, remains the cornerstone of treatment, according to heart experts.
Medicines to correct risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol problems are also needed.
In 2002, the American Heart Association released a scientific statement, “Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease,” on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on heart function (including antiarrhythmic effects), hemodynamics (cardiac mechanics) and arterial endothelial function.
As included in the AHA report, ongoing researches are being done to evaluate the link between omega-3 and cardiovascular risk reduction, but current research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids may do the following:
• Decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death;
• Decrease triglyceride levels;
• Decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque or narrowing of the arteries; and
• Lower blood pressure (slightly).
Randomized clinical trials have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can reduce cardiovascular events (death, non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes).
They can also slow the progression of atherosclerosis in coronary patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm and further define the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for preventing a first or subsequent cardiovascular event.
The current expert recommendation is that omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of - or who have - cardiovascular disease.
Although increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake through foods is preferable, coronary artery disease patients may not be able to get enough omega-3 by diet alone. These people may want to talk to their doctor about taking a supplement.
Supplements could also help people with high triglycerides, who need even larger doses. The availability of high-quality omega-3 fatty acid supplements, free of contaminants, is an important prerequisite to their use.
Omegabloc is one of the brands of omega-3 fish oil locally available in Mercury and other leading drug stores. It has been available in the country for more than 10 years and is now prescribed by many doctors. Usual recommended dose is one softgel two to three times daily.
Omegabloc comes from NOW Foods in the United States, one of the top manufacturers of vitamins and food supplements worldwide. NOW Foods is represented in the Philippines by Trianon International.
Charles Cultura, Trianon national sales and marketing manager, said that although Omegabloc is an over-the-counter product and requires no prescription, many doctors are now prescribing Omegabloc for their patients.
Provincial distributors are welcome and interested parties may call 815-3239 or text 0917-8836164.
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